Following domestic abuse allegation, Travis Browne removed from UFC appearances

Travis Browne, the fifth-ranked heavyweight in the Ultimate Fighting Championship and a Glendale Fighting Club trainee, was pulled from any UFC International Fight Week appearances on Thursday following domestic abuse allegations via Instagram by longtime girlfriend Jenna Renee Webb late Wednesday.

The allegations were denied later Thursday by Browne’s manager John Fosco.

“Travis is innocent and we are excited that the UFC is doing an investigation, because domestic violence is an extremely serious issue and this is something that should be investigated regardless of who is in involved,” Fosco told MMAFighting.com. “It’s unacceptable.”

Prior to Fosco speaking out, the UFC issued a statement on the matter mid-day Thursday.

“UFC is aware of the social media allegations made against heavyweight Travis Browne. The organization requires all athletes to act in an ethical and responsible manner, as mandated by the UFC Fighter Conduct Policy. UFC will not tolerate domestic violence or any other violation of the policy,” read the statement, which was read aloud by UFC spokesman Dave Sholler at the UFC 189 press conference on Thursday. “Every athlete is deserving of due process and this situation, as with any official allegations, will be duly reviewed and thoroughly investigated by an independent party. In light of this news, Travis will not be participating in this week’s UFC International Fight Week activities in Las Vegas.

“The prevention of domestic violence and the education of the athletes is of the utmost importance to the organization. UFC holds its athletes to the highest standard and will continue to take appropriate action if and when warranted.”

Webb, a fitness model, released four photos on Instagram late Wednesday night showing bruises on her arms, legs and face. She later made it clear she would not be filing criminal charges.

Captioned with the photos read: “Probably one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made was walking away from this life and starting over. I’m still ashamed for staying as long as I did. #domesticviolenceawareness”

When asked by a fan if the post was in reference to Browne, Webb replied, “Yes, it was Travis.”

Later Thursday, Fosco denied the allegations to multiple media outlets and also said the decision to pull Browne from UFC Fight Week festivities was a mutual decision. In addition, he also called into question why, if the allegations were valid, Webb would make them on social media.

“We look forward to complying and I just would ask people to really ask themselves a question and that’s if you’re a victim of domestic abuse or you know a victim of domestic abuse, is the best course of action or is it an authentic course of action to go on to Instagram when someone has two children and a family and a job and post something in the court of public opinion?” Fosco told MMAFighting. “Or is to go to the proper authorities like law enforcement and make a report? I think we have to look at the credibility of the behavior.”

Webb explained her actions to TMZ.com.

“I did what I felt in my heart that I had to do to deliver a message to other people that are being abused and other people that he may potentially abuse in the future,” Webb told TMZ. “I do not plan on pressing charges. I’ve prayed for a long time that he would become a better person and I will continue to pray for him in hopes that he can make changes and salvage a life for him and his boys.”

The 6-foot-7 Browne (17-3-1) has trained at the Glendale Fighting Club for his previous two bouts: a first-round knockout of Brendan Schaub in December and a subsequent first-round knockout loss to Andrei Arlovski in May.

Browne, along with a cavalcade of UFC fighters, was scheduled to be in Las Vegas for UFC International Fight Week, which features UFC 189 on Saturday and “The Ultimate Fighter 21 Finale” card on Sunday. Prior to that, beginning Wednesday, are a host of other combat sports events, fan expos and pool parties as the week is considered the biggest on the calendar every year for the UFC.